M1 Garand Loads

[slopoke]

I'm going to be loading some 30-06 ammunition for a Garand that I ordered through the CMP. I also ordered two cans of surplus ammo and I will be reloading those cases. The powder I will use is IMR 4895 and 150 grain Hornady boat tail fmj, my question is do I have to use a different grain powder weight for commercial brass and a different weight for surplus ammo brass?

[kurac]

If you load it light, then it should not be an issue, if you are pushing the limit, then the cases with smaller capacity may show signs of higher pressure. I load my with 46gr of IMR4895 both commercial and military cases.

[Gunsrruss]

That's light

For a 150gr bullet you need to be up around 49-50gr of 4895. I'm loading 173gr bullets at 47gr of 4895. Shot some yesterday and was very happy with the 10's and X's I shot at 200yds in the sitting position. I also was using a sling to hold everything tight. My OAL was 3.300. The Over all length is important when your loading your rounds. It could be the difference between to much and not enough pressure. Make sure you check the different loading books. Remember the loading books will always be on the safe side so they don't get sued.

[CSDGuy]

I loaded up some of those same Hornady 150gr FMJBT. They're over 47.5 grains of IMR 4895, in HXP brass. I also have some Hornady 168gr Amax bullets over 45gr of IMR 4895. These are my starting loads. Chances are that I'll end up somewhere in the neighborhood of where Gunsrruss is at... but I'm working up a load that my rifle likes.

Good luck, and have fun!!!

[kurac]

I tried loads from 44gr to 49gr of IMR4895 and though the heavier loads are faster and recoil more, all functioned well and the 46gr loads with 150-168 bullets turned in the best groups.

[slopoke]

Thanks for the info!

[Gunsrruss]

Match today

Had a Grand Match today. 50rds from 200yds. First 20rds were in Prone slow fire. First three rds were "X's". With the third round taking out the Spindle holding the shot marker. I just love accuracy. Later on came 10 rds. Offhand. I shot a 60 out of 100. Not my best I must say. I jerked one so bad that I was in the berm. Huge dust cloud. Maybe I should practice that more with the Grand, or stick with the AR

[CSDGuy]

I need to get out more often so that I can try to get that good....

[Pre 64 Joe]

Hi all: I loaded my first Garand loads and went shooting today, I loaded 46,461/2,and 47 gr, imr4895 with 155 gr. Sierra Palma Matchkings at 3.330 overall length with 69 lake city brass, it seems that it wants more powder as the accuracy is no better with 46 gr. or 47 gr. I'm going to try 471/2 and 48 gr. next time out as sugested, I wish I had a cronografh.